ORLANDO -- Behind a double-double from sophomore center Josie Summerville, the North Park University women's basketball team concluded the 2019 Orlando Classic with a 70-55 win over Finlandia University on Thursday afternoon.
In the first quarter, the Vikings dominated from the get-go marking 13 of the first 18 points. Junior guard Sinead Molloy buried a three-pointer and four points arrived from Summerville and sophomore forward Jayla Johnson.
The Lions ended the first quarter with four-straight free throws as the Vikings led the Lions, 18-14, going into the second quarter.
First Quarter: North Park 18, Finlandia 14
The Vikings continued to build their lead in the second quarter. North Park surrendered just nine points in the quarter: a three-pointer and three layups. In the quarter, Johnson contributed for six points on three-of-four shooting and sophomore guard Yesenia Rodriguez sent in a three-pointer as the Vikings took a 37-23 lead going into the locker room. Johnson was the scoring leader with 12 points and Summerville led the Vikings with six rebounds.
Halftime: North Park 37, Finlandia 23
In the third quarter, the Vikings tacked on eight of the first 11 points, highlighted by steals from Johnson and junior guard Zakiya Newsome. After the Lions marked four-straight points, senior guard Angelina Villasin halted the momentum with a three-pointer, making the score 48-30. The Lions then scored 11 of the next 15 points, which featured a couple of three-pointers. Fortunately for the Vikings, with 35 seconds left in the third, Rodriguez made a three-pointer to hold a significant 55-41 lead going into the final quarter.
Third Quarter: North Park 55, Finlandia 41
The Lions kept trying to cut into the Viking lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Lions tallied eight of the first 12 points, with all of North Park's points coming from the free throw line. Sophomore guard Emily Czuhajewski marked the first field goal for the Vikings halfway through the fourth quarter as the Vikings still held a double-digit lead.
Despite both teams not marking any more points for the final three and a half minutes of the game, the Vikings defeated the Lions, 71-55, to close the tournament.
Final: North Park 71, Finlandia 55
Quick Hits:
- Summerville picked up her first double-double of the season with 11 points and 12 rebounds
- Johnson led the Vikings with 20 points, tallying her seventh game of double-digit scoring
- The Vikings outscored the Lions 38-16 in points in the paint and held the largest lead in the game at 19 points
What's Next?
The Vikings (9-1, 3-0 CCIW) continue their long stretch of road contests traveling to Dubuque, Iowa to play in the Loras Holiday Tournament. Play starts on Sunday, December 29, when the Vikings play No. 23 Loras. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.
--NPU--
